AFCON 2025: Morocco seeks CAF, FIFA intervention after Senegal walk-out

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has announced its intention to pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football and FIFA over the Senegal national team’s walk-off during the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Monday, FRMF said the Senegalese team’s walkout followed a referee’s decision to award a penalty kick, which it noted was deemed correct by all experts.

“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA regarding the Senegalese national team’s withdrawal from the final match against Morocco and the subsequent events following the referee’s decision to award a penalty kick, a decision deemed correct by all experts,” the statement read.

The federation added that the incident “significantly impacted the normal flow of the match and the players’ performance.”

It also expressed gratitude to Moroccan fans, commending their “loyalty to the national team through their massive attendance and exemplary support in all of the national team’s matches and other tournaments.”

It further thanked everyone who contributed to the successful hosting of the continental championship.

The final, held at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat on Sunday, descended into disarray in the dying moments of regular time.

With the score tied at 0-0, Senegal had a goal disallowed for offside, followed shortly by a VAR review that granted host Morocco a penalty in the eighth minute of added time.

Unsatisfied, Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, led his players off the pitch in protest, prompting wild scenes, and security had to intervene.

After a delay, the Senegalese team was persuaded to return. Morocco’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, sending the game into extra time.

Midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in the fourth minute of the first half of extra time to secure Senegal’s AFCON title.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has condemned the conduct, while CAF said it is reviewing footage and will refer the matter to disciplinary bodies for action against those involved.

If sanctioned, Senegal may be fined or suspended for the walk-off.